Apple iPhone compete with the N95? Feature wise, it can't. Of course, the iPhone is using OS X, and it seems very polished...more easy to use than that of Sony Ericsson's Symbian UIQ OS. However, the N95 packs alot more features than the iPhone, especially in a decent package that's only 120g. My HTC 8525 (or TyTn) is 176g, and I think that it's not that hefty to begin with. Plus, I've seen videos of the N95 being used (I guess they were prototypes), and I was really surprised that its response time was really quick when performing basic tasks like menu navigating. That's a big turnaround for me because S60 phones usually lag in response time. That was one reason why I sold my 6682 and N80, and went to Windows Mobile with the 8525. If the N95 (and the E90) performs like that, or better, when the full version is released for retail distribution, then I'd really look into buying one.
I think that the iPhone will be successful because of its name, and that it's a product from Apple. I really don't believe that the price tag will deter some buyers if the price is actually going to be what I read, because it's almost like a must have fashion trend/toy/gadget...whatever you want to call it. A great example is the Motorola RAZR. It was expensive when it was first introduced becasue it was, in a way, revolutionary of how cell phones would be built. And regardless of it's high price tag, people still wanted to buy it. Even to this day, the RAZR line is still going strong (even though I think the design is being played out just a bit). So, people will find a way to get one. What I heard is that the available software for it is limited because they are proprietary, so that might be a little bit of a downfall when it's initially released. But I'm sure in time more 3rd party applications will be available as time goes on. But it still be little when compared to all the applications that Windows Mobile and Symbian has to offer. The only thing that I was surprised to see on the iPhone was the lack HSDPA to use on ATT/Cingular's 3G network. However, I don't think that's a big issue to me. It still has Wi-Fi, but having both would've been nice. It would've given ATT/Cingular another reason to make a profit off prospective consumers by purchasing a data plan. I'm glued to my PDA phone most of the time now, and 3G just comes in real handy when I'm browsing the web, looking up directions, etc.
On Sony Ericsson's side, I don't think you'll expect that much of smartphones coming out of its camp, except for the talk of the successor of the M600i, which is rumored to have a 3.2MP camera now with AutoFocus. Otherwise, another P Series won't be coming out anytime soon. SE is targeted more on a budget friendly market than anything else. That's why you see a refresh lineup of what SE had to offer the previous year, as well as cheaper versions. The K550/W610i replaced the W810i, the K810i will replace the K800i, and the W200i would be for people would be for people who want a base model with what the Walkman has to offer. Still word is buzzing around SE releasing their next Cyber-Shot camera phone with 5MP called the "Sofia" (K850i perhaps).
Back to the N95, it looks to be a great multimedia device and phone. However, I'm not in a rush to get one. But it would be a welcome to say that it's going to be my only phone for perhaps 2 or 3 years, and just sell the rest of my phones.
